PC Critic Reviews

I highly recommend the game for anyone who likes turn based combat games and especially those who love a bit of a deeper storyline woven in. It’s not a bad price, but it is worth noting that single play through can be achieved in about 6 to 7 hours… so the main way you will get value here is in replaying to see what different story choices do to your outcome, but I’m pretty confident when you get to the end, you will feel compelled to jump back in and see if you can get a different ending.

Broken Lines is a solid turn-based strategy-RPG hybrid with endearing characters, strong tactical gameplay that doesn’t overstay its welcome, and an alternate history WWII survival-mystery story filled with desperation, hopelessness, and dread.

For all its comparatively minor flaws and one major issue that will most likely get patched by the time it releases, Broken Lines is a great strategy game that takes the usual tactical thinking and bends it just enough to feel fresh. Without the safety net of unmoving opponents or the ability to react on the fly, you have to consider what the AI might do more carefully and really utilise your powers and squad composition to get through a fight unscathed. So even with the occasional gruelling travel section, Broken Lines is still a pretty enjoyable ride. Kind of like that one war movie you love but no-one else gets.

It may feel just a bit pricey at twenty-five dollars, but, given the amount of gameplay depth and replay value, this is one on which fans of the genre shouldn’t miss out.

A tactical RPG with a very good combat system, relationship chemistry among your party and an interesting backdrop of alternate World War II. This game is worth multiple playthroughs despite its rather underwhelming central storyline.

Broken Lines isn’t the typical indie strategy game that presents itself as a simple clone of XCOM or another AAA title. It offers a bunch of mechanics that feels new, with compelling storytelling.

With a fascinating story and great gameplay, Broken Lines makes a strong case that turn-based combat can be used for projects more modest than the grand strategy and expansive RPGs that generally feature it.

There’s a lot to fix in the game but regardless it offers a heap of fun and playability – even if sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint why exactly. [05/2020, p.72]

Broken Lines is a solid squad tactics game with an intriguing narrative and fair, yet punishing permanent consequences for your actions. While the soundscape is unimpressive and the animation doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny, the varied, colorful locations add an enjoyable visual flair to the experience. The Dead and the Drunk is an engaging spin-off that goes well beyond being a throwaway mode, and offers an additional challenge for veterans. The fully customizable difficulty settings allow players of all skill levels and preferences to find a way to play that’s a perfect fit for them.

Broken Lines tells an alternative World War II history, following a desperate journey made by eight survivors. Despite some missing points, the tactical game system works well and every decision has its own weight.